Men’s sports watches are one of the most popular categories in the watch-collecting world. Read this guide to discover which models you should be paying attention to this year.
With the sheer amount of steel sports watches on the market right now, it’s no wonder we’re all asking one question. Which are the best men’s sports watches, and do we really need so many of them?
I suppose it’s a difficult question to ask any sports watch fanatic. If you love sports watches, you love sports watches — and you’ll find no excuse to buy another one!
If this sounds like you and you’re looking to treat yourself to another sports watch, read this article.
I’ve compiled a list of the best men’s sports watches on the market right now. But first, let’s take a look at why they’re so desirable.
Table of Contents
Why Are Sports Watches So Popular?
The 1950s and 1960s were huge for brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe. During the middle of the 20th century, these brands, along with a few others, released a slew of tough, durable wristwatches.
These rough-and-tumble timepieces turned heads left, right, and center! It was the golden age for sports watches and tool watches.
The craze continued well into the 1970s and beyond. In fact, I’d argue it continues to this day.
What is a Tool Watch?
A tool watch is the name given to a model that serves several purposes. The Rolex Explorer and Submariner are two examples of multifunctional tool watches. The GMT-Master and Daytona also sit within this sports watch sector.
Sports Watches Are Tough
These days, we rarely buy sports watches for reasons beyond their aesthetics. Seldom are these watches used for their true purpose.
One advantage is that they will survive most knocks, shocks, and bumps they encounter.
It’s no coincidence that sports watches are still just as popular now as they were back then. They can withstand plenty of wear and tear and carry an iconic look that fans go nuts for.
Popular Sports Watch Brands
Brands like Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Patek Philippe popularized the sports watch category in the 1970s. In recent years, we have seen a rise in the demand for models like the Nautilus and Royal Oak.
Even now, these key brands are still releasing different iterations of these iconic sports watches. Other smaller brands are also making the effort to design their take on the popular category.
Are Pre-Owned Sports Watches or New Sports Watches Best?
We may only just be over the peak of the integrated bracelet watch phase. The fad is beginning to settle a little, but the steel sports watch is still very much a thing.
For many enthusiasts, it’s about spotting the right chance on the pre-owned market. High-end brands intentionally release their sports watches in limited supply. It ensures demand always stays high, but this practice makes life an absolute nightmare for collectors.
New sports watches can often sell for less than on the pre-owned market. With a lengthy manufacturer’s waiting time, many inpatient collectors would rather pay more to own their dream sports watch immediately.
That’s great news if you’ve already bagged yourself a sports watch and you want to sell it. Name your price, and you can make some pretty big money.
Sports Watches for Daily Wear
Sports watches make for great daily companions. Promising robustness and durability, they combine a rugged build with luxury.
These watches are impactful on the wrist and timeless in appeal.
The most iconic watches are those that have remained faithful to an original design.
Classic Sports Watch Design Features
The sports watch category is vast, and there are many different designs out there. Carbon, titanium, and even gold feature in some modern interpretations.
Some feature chronograph complications with rubber bands or textile straps.
Others carry a signature look with iconic DNA, harking back to the steel sports watch era.
The distinctive design codes of the classic sports watch from the seventies tick a few key boxes. They should be slim, made of stainless steel, and robust. Their simplified dials feature luminous hands and markers.
These sports watches should offer reliable automatic movement and should come with an integrated bracelet.
A Guide to the Best Men’s Sports Watches
Shopping for the world’s best men’s sports watches is an intimidating task. We’ve tried to take the pressure off with these neat options. The key to owning a holy grail sports watch is to invest in a brand that lived during the same era that the genre emerged.
Many younger bands are releasing some pretty cool sports watches made from different materials. Here are some of the best.
The Best Fitness Watch: The Garmin Forerunner 265
When on the topic of sports watches, we need to cover the fitness watch option. Whether you’re a triathlete or a keen golf player, there are so many smartwatches out there to suit your lifestyle.
Fitness fanatics look for features in a smartwatch such as a heart rate monitor or GPS function. These features will enable you to stay up to date with your stats in real-time.
A fitness watch like the Garmin Forerunner 265 smartwatch promises a battery life in GPS mode that lasts 24 hours.
It’s a great feature when taking part in running and hiking challenges that often last days. The 42mm sports watch tracks heart rate and sleep, providing you with intuitive data via a bright AMOLED screen.
Advanced training metrics displaying stats via a smooth touchscreen are also features of this affordable Apple Watch alternative.
The Best Luxury Sports Watches
Most people will agree that luxury sports watches are built to robust standards and cost more. The sports watch definition itself can sometimes be a little blurry.
This section outlines the different non-smartwatch versions out there.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time 5990/1A
The Nautilus watch by Patek Philippe is a superlative steel sports watch with a bountiful character. It is one of the most sought-after timepieces in horological history.
Its distinctive design features an octagonal case shape and a horizontal dial pattern. Gerald Genta designed the Nautilus in 1976, but its appeal extends far beyond aesthetics.
This Nautilus Travel Time watch combines a sporty allure with two separate hour hands relating to two time zones.
Its deep blue dial displays an analog date function at 12 and a local and home time indicator.
What’s more, Patek Philippe also throws in a flyback chronograph complication for good measure!
Rolex Submariner Date Ref 126610LN
The Rolex Submariner is a steel sports watch that has evolved a lot over the years without losing its character. It now features several innovative design traits. These include a black Cerachrom bezel insert for reading elapsed time underwater.
In addition, its classic black dial has plenty of luminous elements for improved legibility.
The 300-meter water-resistant men’s sports watch is also home to the Caliber 3235, which has anti-magnetic technology and shock absorbers.
TAG Heuer Carrera 60th Anniversary Watch Ref CBK221H.FC8317
Take a look at the TAG Heuer Carrera 60th Anniversary model for a striking sports watch. It demonstrates how a leather band looks just as fetching as an integrated steel bracelet.
TAG Heuer released the model as a celebration of the collection’s 60th anniversary in a series of 600 pieces. A silver sunray panda display with a black-filled chronograph enhances the watch’s sporty aesthetic.
Perfect for measuring stopwatch timings, this 39mm men’s sports watch puts the Caliber HEUER02 on show as it performs.
The in-house-made engine offers an impressive power reserve of 80 hours.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Ref 16202ST.OO.1240ST.02
As you’ll know by now, the slim case design of a steel sports watch is a popular feature. This model pays homage to the original Royal Oak watch released in 1972.
A body of hand-finished steel surrounds a deep blue dial with a “Petite Tapisserie” effect.
A self-winding movement powers the central hands around this dial. The watch also boasts the desirable integrated steel bracelet.
The revolutionary Royal Oak design took the brand to the next level during the 1970s. Today, it still carries all the much-loved DNA of the series, including its octagonal bezel and slim case.
The Best Modern Men’s Sports Watches
These men’s sports watches offer a more complex, modern design using contemporary materials and colors.
Breitling Endurance Pro Watch Ref X82310D91B1S1
The Breitling Endurance Pro is a modern take on the sports watch design. Breitling uses its proprietary material, Breitlight, for the case. The material is over three times lighter than titanium and incredibly scratch, traction, and corrosion-resistant.
The watch is available in different colors, but I love the vivid red accents on this model.
This Breitling Endurance Pro sports watch runs on a COSC-certified movement.
It also comes on a range of straps, including an Outerknown ECONYL® yarn single-piece strap.
Rado Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph Watch Ref R32151318
There are two things to mention about the Rado Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph watch. One is its unusual colorway, and the other is its reliable movement.
The engine inside the watch is the Caliber R801, which delivers impeccable precision, promising a power reserve of 59 hours. Rado adjusts it in five positions, and it boasts an antimagnetic Nivachron™ hairspring.
On the aesthetics front, the yellow-gold PVD-coated steel and green aesthetic proves a sports watch can be any color.
A green unidirectional rotating bezel surrounds a green sunray dial, where chronograph counters sit at 3 and 9 o’clock. Yellow gold pushers and central bracelet links also contribute to an unusual execution of the classic sports watch.
Most Affordable Steel Sports watches
There are some pretty reputable brands doing their take on the men’s sports watch. Here are some examples:
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Watch Ref 137.407.11.351.00
Tissot makes exceptionally robust, affordable sports watches that look great for any occasion. One particular design is the Tissot PRX.
The solid stainless steel watch has a similar aesthetic to its pricier competitors.
Included within its affordable price range is the 40mm PRX Powermatic 80 watch, with a modern automatic movement.
The watch will keep running for 80 hours on its own and boasts a stunning ice-blue waffle-effect dial.
Lastly, you can swap the classic stainless steel link bracelet with another strap from the brand’s range, thanks to the brand’s innovative Interchangeable quick-release bracelet.
Zenith Defy Skyline Sapphire 16.9300.3620/51.I001
If you’re looking for a sports watch with a little added something, consider the Defy Skyline Sapphire watch. It’s Zenith’s unique (and affordable) take on the classic men’s sports watch.
It features the familiar octagonal bezel but with 45 baguette-cut blue sapphires adorning its surface. This luxurious twist on the Zenith Defy watch has a blue sunburst patterned dial, baton indexes, and luminous hands.
Of course, a sapphire crystal glass front protects this dial while a screw-down crown upholds 100 meters of water resistance.
Since Zenith upholds a reputation for accuracy, its El Primero 3620 high-frequency automatic movement promises 1/10th of a second indicator.
The Takeaway
For me, the best men’s sports watches of all time are always going to be the industry icons. The Patek Philippe Nautilus and Royal Oak watch by Audemars Piguet just pull on the heartstrings.
They are rugged, easy-wearing, and low maintenance. They also have a standout style that you can instantly pick out from a crowd.
Of course, nowadays, there are so many affordable sports watches based on these earlier designs. This means you don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket if you want to become part of the community.
So, whether you’re a sports-goer or not, these watches will hold up on the wrist. It’s yet another reason why I love the sports watch so much.
The key features of the sports watch genre share qualities of reliability and robustness, constituting great daily beaters.
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